Profit Wise - Jeff Morrill

Jeff Morrill is the co-founder of Planet Subaru and other businesses that have generated over $100,000,000 annually. In Profit Wise, Morrill shares his techniques and principles used to be successful as an entrepreneur. His achievements in building profitable and ethical companies have been featured in a variety of national media including USA Today, Automotive News, and Entrepreneur Magazine, and the Boston Globe, but this is his first book about is foundational focus on doing the right thing.

Easy to read, and only 111 pages, Profit Wise is packed with info on the ethical practice of running a business. The 10 Chapters give interesting insights into what works to retain good employees and satisfied customers. There is more emphasis on principles and procedures than what will be most profitable. Doing the right thing outweighs putting profit first. Happy employees and clients usually adds to a long-term relationship, a good reputation and financial success.

Morrill also adds questions to ask yourself as well as online resource links. Hiring, Marketing, Negotiating, Leading, and Managing are a few of the topics covered. Some things seem like basic common sense and integrity, but I have run into a few businesses who do not operate on the best standards. This book is wonderful for new business leaders or a good refresher for more established companies.

He also reminds the reader that your business should not be your sole focus. Family, your health, stewardship, giving back to the community, etc. also play a tremendous role in your success. Even the royalties from this book are being donated to charity. I believe this is an excellent resource for anyone running a business, but some of the advice is relatable on a personal level.

Buy the Book at

• JeffMorrill.com 
• Amazon 
• Barnes&Noble 

I received a copy of the book from the author for review purposes. However, all opinions are my own.

Jumpstart Your Leadership by John Maxwell

John C. Maxwell, #1 New York Times bestselling author, presents his 90-day guide to improving your leadership. Whether you want to increase your influence, prepare yourself for that big promotion, or get a handle on leadership for the first time, you can trust John Maxwell to help you in the journey.

Maxwell says, Leadership develops daily, not in a day." This portable volume will give you the tools to develop as a leader and activate your leadership potential.(back cover)

My Review: Jumpstart Your Leadership, published by Center Street, is content from John Maxwell's previously published book, The 5 Levels of Leadership. Set up as a 90 day plan, you can obviously stretch it out for the entire time or use it as a fairly quick read. Each segment begins with a quote on leadership from well known leaders, along with a lesson to be learned from that quote. The opposite page then asks a question about your own leadership, team members, or your actions/reactions to things and what you would have done differently. There is then room for you to jot down your answers. This is an excellent way to help you to really think about and analyze your answer rather than glossing over it. Plus, it makes it rather like a diary to reflect upon when you come to a point of needing to re-evaluate yourself and your goals in the future. Whether you are a leader of a company, a ministry, a family, or a person others look up to for any reason, this book can make you more effective and wiser.

I received a copy of this book at no cost from Hatchette Book Group. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

Ingredients For Success

Written by Joseph James Slawek, CEO of FONA International and an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, this book explores the business practices found in the parables of Matthew 25 (the parable of the ten virgins, the parable of the talents, and the sheep and the goats), ranging from "boldly yet compassionately tell the truth" to "use your talents responsibly or you'll lose them." Slawek's business experience as the leader of an international company, and his belief that the Bible has a lot to say about business, answers the question: how can a Christian business leader live out his faith in the workplace? (from the publisher)


My Review: For such a small book, I felt that the author packed in a lot of information that can guide a business owner who truly cares about his company and employees. Matthew 25 has always been a favorite of mine and I love the way Slawek uses the parables to make his point. I cannot speak as a business owner, but I have been an employee of several businesses over the years. Although I have always tried to work as if working for the Lord, I admit that it is much easier if your boss also feels the same way. Mr. Slawek appears to expect a lot from his employees, but is also generous.

The principles used, as viewed from a business perspective, make a lot of sense. I also like his outlook that one should strive for excellence, but not to be afraid of failing. His chapter on failure, mediocrity, excellence, and perfection made a lot of sense to me. I also thought he hit the nail on the head (for me, anyway) when he said that fear leads to procrastination. I must admit that I do put off doing things that I am afraid I will not do well. (I gave up on perfection years ago!) The book is a quick read, but one I feel could impact the way you run your business or even how you apply yourself as an employee.

Disclaimer - I received a free copy of this book through Kickstand Books, a division of Handlebar Publishing, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
 

Joseph James Slawek is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of FONA International. He founded FONA International in 1987 with a desire to be both high tech and high touch, and it 's the difference that makes FONA special and successful. Joe's unwavering focus on FONA 's customers, employees and stakeholders, and his commitment to operating a values-based organization are driving factors in the success of FONA. In 1999 Joe was inducted into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame in recognition of the unique corporate culture he established and the dramatic year over year growth it was driving−five times the industry standard. Over the last several years (2007-2011), Joe has led FONA to be the only full service flavor company on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States. In his personal life, Joe is actively committed to his family, his church and community service. He is a private pilot who enjoys recreational aviation and outdoor pastimes.(publisher bio)